A Career and a Passion

Well.. We’re back to school. It happened… pretty smoothly! I have a great little (big) group of second graders that I already love love love! We are already having so much fun and learning A LOT. We’ve established our procedures and routine so now we are getting down to business this week.

No this is not primarily a teaching blog, but it always looks that way as we head back to school and our world flips upside down!

As I reflect on the past three years teaching, it seems like so long ago until I think about… My mom just embarked on her 37th yearof teaching special education. She is amazing. If I can be just half the teacher that she is, I’ll be doing alright. My mom is everything that I want to be in a teacher.

Here she is with flowers from my Dad on the first day of school.

My mom sent me this:

“Sweet child of mine, I am continually growing from your skill and passion for teaching and learning. Used your activity for setting class expectations last year and am already pinning your creative things in a teaching file for this year. Would love to be in your second grade class and get a second chance at second grade: the year my teacher paid a visit to my home and spilled the beans on my behavior and your Papa made a real impression on me AND my behind. Love you dearly!”

Tears.

My parents embraced every “teachable moment” with my sister and I growing up. Now I am so grateful. For those of you that don’t know, my dad is retired from 30 years as an administrator (and before that a coach). He was my principal growing up and my ultimate role model. My Papa and two uncles were/are superintendents. All three of my aunts are teachers. I have been completely and utterly blessed to have grown up surrounded in education from day one. Can you imagine how many lives were touched by such a legacy in education? Those of you that have complimented my teaching, I really and truly cannot take any credit. Any strengths I have are thanks to these remarkable role models who instilled in me what it means to be a professional. It is completely humbling to try to follow in their footsteps. Keyword: try.

It got a little crazy when I somehow married a teacher, so there’s just no escaping it! Then my sister began her last year of college TODAY and will be a FABULOUS teacher as well. Going to bed thankful that I get to wake up and do something that I love EVERY day.

Comments

My three greatest teachers in life: Jesus, my parents, and my children. God bless you, child. In the midst of a house that looks more like an unorganized thrift store right now due to the chaos and hours put into starting a new school year and the heart tugs of wanting your Mammy well again, I have been blessed. Thank you from the bottom of this Southeast MO heart!

So glad to meet you this weekend. I don’t think I got to mention that my husband was a teacher and is now an assistant principal and our two oldest got to the same school where he is. Next time we make a trip up to Fayetteville I’m giving you a yell.

Jeanetta!!! Thanks for stopping by. That’s awesome!! I didn’t know that. Please call me if you come to Fayetteville- I’d love to have lunch or coffee! My cell is on my card! I was so blessed by you this weekend.

I was thinking about you and missing you yesterday at school. I really needed this post. You are a true inspiration and encourager. I am so blessed to have been able to learn from you. God has given you an amazing gift.

Ohhh sweet Leah! This made my day. Thanks for your kind words. I’ve struggled to find the balance with blogging and haven’t posted since school started. I need to come back to blogging! Thanks for always reading and commenting :) You’re the best! Hope your family is doing well.

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